Windows 7 - Recording issue - "Show Disabled Devices" does not work

Win 7 32Bit Home Premium (Vista Upgrade)

Hi,

My apologies if this had already been addressed in a different thread, but I could not find an answer to my issue anywhere.

I want to be able to record "What u hear". Every thread I have read states the same thing. Control panel> sound> Recording tab> right click> Show disabled devices.

This does not display my sound card, so I am unable to enable it as my default recording device. It doesn't change anything, all I see is my laptop microphone.

I have resorted to plugging a 3.5mm (1/4") double adapter and a male to male cable between audio out to mic in, to enable recording whilst being able to listen to what I'm doing.

Please help!

Not ALL sound systems have the System Mixer function. Check Sony for newer sound drivers for you PC and they may or may not work or help.

There are some software programs around that will allow you to record streaming audio. Sorry, but I don't recall what they are. A google search may turn up something.

Most screen recorders allow you to record audio only. There are plenty of free ones on the web. I use this little program because of it's superior video quality. But for audio only, any old program may do.

Thanks guys,

@ Firebird, I have tried uninstalling and using both drivers from Microsoft and Sony, unfortunately to no avail. Also tried using Virtual Audio Cable, but that leaves me in the same situation, I can record but can't hear what I'm recording.

@WHS I have several recording programs, Goldwave, Audacity etc... but the issue is I cannot select my soundcard as the recording device as it is not shown (even as a disabled device) under the Recording tab, therefore if I record without the use of a cable from line out to mic jack I only record audio from my internal mic.

Any other suggestion welcome

As I noted, unfortunately, you may have one of those that System Mixer is not an option. I do support on the Dell users forum and there are several models, both desktop and laptop, that do not have this option.

An option would be to use an external USB sound "card" that does have that. Last time I looked, SoundBlaster had an external sound "card" that had the "What you Hear" option (what SoundBlaster calls the System Mixer).

I do have an external usb soundcard 'Buddy USB 6G', but have the same issue. Admittedly, it is a budget one, so maybe I need to splash out and get something a bit better.

I am just trying to download the latest Realtek driver r2.57 and install it. I will let you know if I have any joy.

Thanks again

Installed the latest Realtek driver r2.57. It didn't change a thing You would have thought this was such a rudimentary feature.

I am a music producer and DJ and have always resisted Apple due to their Apple care rip off etc... Looks like I might relent For the menatime I will be buying a better external sound card that has this capability.

Thanks again for your time though Firebird

Apple is one option although not all Windows based machines have this issue. I just bought a new Lenovo Ideapad Z560 laptop and it has the System Mixer. I plan on using the PC with Sonar for on site recordings (with an MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R USB audio interface unit). The Lenovo is about half the price of an Apple laptop.

I'm a musician and have a home recording studio using Sonar software. I have a desktop that I use for my studio recording.

I have attached a photo of my work around. I just made a little male to male 3.5mm (1/4") cable, connected a splitter on my sound card, one output to master and one output to the mic.....sweet

If it works, don't knock it.